Pathway to the Farm

The Fall Community Weekend at The Farm of Peace took place on November 10th and 11th. Prior to this, our family was not aware that there were such events. What a welcome surprise for us! The weekend gave us a taste of what it is like to live and work with many people, a community.

The weekend started off with a teaching from Imam Jamil Bastress. He talked to us about our lives. While the world was created for us, we were not created for this world as this life we have is but temporary and a test to see if we are fit for the life that is yet to come. Despite the numerous messengers that Allah sent through the generations, we still seem to have difficulty in living the way He wants us to live. The guidance that we seek is available in the Quran, Allah's Word and it is through this guidance that we can 'uncover all that is hidden under the 'rust' that weighs us down.' To set us off on the right foot for the Community Weekend, Imam Jamil also shared some thoughts about politeness (Al Adab) from Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal.

We were then told about tasks for the service portion of our stay. There was work to be done at the Orchard, the Garden and the Mosque. Some would much prefer to dig up dirt than to maneuver a vacuum cleaner. The little ones were cared for by some adults and responsible older youths during the Imam's talk and the service time. I think I speak for everyone when I say that the parents appreciated this part of the day.

Everyone gathered again for dinner and prayers. For our meal, we were requested to bring a food from home to share. Pot lucks are amazing things because you would never think to mix a South Asian dish with a Mexican dish at home and yet it works, and works well at a potluck. Later that evening, a game of charades was arranged for us. Peals of laughter from young and old were heard. It was great fun, all in the name of community.

Sleep came easily to many that night after working and playing hard in the afternoon.  

We congregated for Fajr prayers and morning spiritual exercises. We had time for a short nap prior to breakfast and what a breakfast! There were pancakes and eggs and fruit and juices and warm drinks. The breakfast crew did an amazing job in filling our tummies so that we could work again that day. Service work followed and again, we were given the choice of assignments. When you work for the sake of Allah and His people, it does not feel like a huge burden. However, hunger came quickly and we were grateful for the lunch that awaited us at mid-day.

We performed Al-Wird just prior to lunch and the lovely weekend came to a conclusion after Zuhr prayers. We were told that The Farm would like to have such events each season, so if you have the opportunity and the ability to come to a Community Weekend, do consider going. Whether you are shy or gregarious, there is a place for you there, for we are all gathered for a common purpose, service to Allah alongside our brothers and sisters.

Shamsa Houck Harvesting Carrots

What an abundant year we had!  Such gratitude Jesse Amin and I have for all the gifts for the garden this year.  We were able to share the harvest each week with 40 families through the Farm of Peace CSA program, along with our neighbors at the  Berkeley Springs at the Farmers' Market, and those that came to help with the harvest each week for a work share.  Through generous donations, shares were also purchased to send weekly produce to two women's shelters in the Baltimore Area.


The garden is resting now for the winter, as we are beginning to pursue the seed catalogs and place orders for next years' seeds.   I found myself teary eyed at a Sustainable Farming conference last week, and thought I must be in the right line of work when I so moved with passion that it wells up in tears as I hear stories of other farms and the beautiful intentions they have in creating a healing and local food system.  Sustainable farming conferences are very spiritual in nature and I am so grateful for the calm of winter to nourish myself with the knowledge and inspiration to carry us into a renewed season.

At left, Musa is helping Amin plant garlic, our final fall planting of 2012. 

Musa helping Amin plant garlic

Amin constructed this planter from scrap lumber, old broom handles and a few miscellaneous other objects, in order to make many holes for garlic bulbs with one hop or two.   The kids from the September school enjoyed many hops on the garlic planter during their weekly visit to the garden.  We are excited to invite the children to see the garden through the changing season and intend to have them help us plant some of the first seeds in the green house this winter, then carrying them outside in the spring to be placed in the earth.

I find eating in harmony with the season and having a connection with the harvest from a local garden satisfying beyond words.  It seems to carry the best nourishment for us in perfect rhythm with the seasons, and the freshness can't be beat.  The CSA is expanding to invite 60 members to join us in 2013.  You can pick up at the farm and enjoy the view, and something ripe from the vine.  Delivery of produce still just as fresh is also available in Frederick, Silver Spring, NW DC, and Takoma Park.  Please visit the  Farm of Peace website to reserve your share, or contact Halima at 717-573-2956. 

Our Best Season for Lamb, Ever!
by Rifqa Parrino
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  After a bountiful lambing season in the spring, we had lots and lots

of lamb to sell in November, opening up our sales to the public for
the first time. Seven were bought for Eid al Adha sacrifice and the
rest for eating.   Our lambs are all Tunis, a breed known for its mild
flavor.   They are sacrificed in the halal manner right here on the
farm.  If you are wondering why you should buy our lamb when you can
get halal New Zealand lamb at Costco, we can only say: Ours is 10,000
miles fresher!

"Your lamb was exquisite -- can I buy another one?"  --2012 customer,
Silver Spring

Two of our customers came back for more, several bought more than one
to begin with, and we've heard nothing but positive comments about the
lamb.  The good news for those who missed out is that we still have 7
lambs left, cut packaged and frozen.  We need to sell the entire lamb
although customers are welcome to find someone to share with.  Prices
range from $246 to $275 for a whole lamb, and they run about 30-36 lbs
of packaged cuts depending on the size of the lamb.

If you'd like to purchase a Farm of Peace pastured lamb for your
freezer, please call 717-573-4722 or email info@farmofpeace.com 

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From the Kitchens' Bounty 

Lamb & Pumpkin Stew 

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This delicious stew is loaded with healthy garlic, jalapeno pepper and pumpkins. For a vegetarian version, just substitute 2-3 cans cooked pinto beans for the lamb.  Serves 6   

 

1 leg of lamb, boned and cubed (or 3-4 lbs of cubed meat)
5 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (or more, if you like it hot)
1 lb whole tomatillos, husked and rinsed (optional)
1 TBSP fresh oregano leaves or 1 tsp dried
2 TBSP olive oil
1 large white or yellow onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 tsp chili powder, or to taste
1 tsp ground cumin powder, or to taste
1-2 lbs cubed pumpkin or winter squash
1/2 cup raw ground pumpkin seeds, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnish
    
Put olive oil, jalapeno, spices and crushed garlic in bottom of large
soup pot on medium heat.  Add cubed lamb and brown, stirring.  When most of lamb is browned, add tomatillos & onions, and cook another 5 minutes or so until they soften. Add 4 c. water or broth, the pumpkin and bell pepper.  If you have a lamb bone, add that as well.  Simmer until lamb is tender, 1-2 hours. Remove bone, serve hot with pumpkin seed and lime wedges.

The September School
by Eddy Rubin
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We are into our 2nd school year at the September School!  The students have been enjoying their new classroom space on the upper floor of the teaching barn. This year the students all have individual desks and ball chairs. There are designated spaces for music, yoga and a library/reading spot, apart from the main teaching area.

  

The students have been studying a number of "mini-units" this year. This week we are engaged with the subject of dinosaurs. Apart from learning solid facts about real dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth, the students have been working on a Field Guide to Imaginary Dinosaurs.

  

So far this school year, we have explored topics such as natural succession, invertebrates, fish and mammals. We have learned about the continents of Europe, South America and Africa. In addition to doing a variety of classroom activities related to each unit, we are also taking monthly field trips that are connected to the subjects being studied. Next week, we will travel to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, to bolster our knowledge of dinosaurs.

  

A new development this year is that the students have begun to write both the music and lyrics to their original songs. Last year, they would hum melodies to me, which I would then transpose to chords. This year the students have played the melodies for me, on either guitar or ukulele. The students have then worked cooperatively to develop the ideas expressed in each song. Their first composition, "Peace is Taking Flight," is a beautiful meditative piece. They followed that piece with a playful imaginative ditty, "Gnomy Gnomes," which is accompanied by a carefully choreographed dance routine. I look forward to assisting them with their future compositions!

 

Every day brings new, unexpected discoveries. Whether it is learning a new Japanese phrase or absorbing life lessons from traditional folk tales, the September School students continue to learn about themselves and the world around them. I feel fortunate to be able to learn from them as well.

Here are the words to the students' first song. Please feel free to visit the school if you would like to hear the children perform it.

 

 

 Peace is Taking Flight 

Chorus-  

Peace is taking flight, peace is taking flight

                Away up high

 

Walking through the forest, I see a peaceful sight,

A mother and her babies feeding in the light.

It is very peaceful as I sleep tonight,

And when the sun rises I will feel the light.

In the colored meadow I hear a running stream,

I looked around the water until I had a dream.

 

Thank You! 

Your service makes a difference
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Thank you to all who give their time and talents in service at the Farm of Peace. There are so many to acknowledge and we are grateful to you all.   To name a few...

We have been graced with the presence of the Fulmer family on many occasions, who always show up ready and willing to lend a hand. Abdullah, Suzanna and their children have spent many hours in the orchard and supporting us with various other projects around the farm.

Rahim Davies has offered ongoing Saturday support in the orchard, and even on the cold winter days can be seen caring for the trees and preparing spring beds.

Thank you to A'amina Sandy and Allyson, our weekly  volunteers at The September School.  They both bring a variety of talents and kind hearts in support of the children.

 We are very appreciative for the generosity of all those who have given their time and resources to support the Farm of Peace.  Thank you!